Newsletters
Will you outlive your retirement income? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?
Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.
September
-
HOT TOPIC: Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines
Outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not understand the importance of rare- earth minerals. This article helps demystify these critical natural resources.
-
Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference
A volunteer vacation offers an opportunity to give back, meet new people who share common interests, and become immersed in a different culture.
-
Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance
Young renters who are just striking out on their own may not realize that a landlord’s insurance policy typically will not cover the destruction or loss of the tenant’s possessions.
August
-
HOT TOPIC: What’s in the New Tax Legislation?
This article provides an overview of some key provisions in the new tax law, commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
-
Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?
Completing this simple worksheet can help establish a realistic retirement savings target.
-
How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle
Couples with opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers tips on working out financial differences.
-
Home Appliance Economics
The prices of new home appliances have declined over the last decade, but repair costs have gone through the roof. Here’s what to consider when facing appliance-buying decisions.
July
-
Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?
The standard monthly Part B premium is $185 in 2025, but premiums for both Part B and Part D can vary based on income levels.
-
Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful
Making a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is a convenient way to transfer money to family, friends, or businesses — these precautions can help avoid costly mistakes.
-
Important Tax Breaks for Pass-Through Businesses
Some owners of pass-through businesses may be able to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income and/or take generous deductions for investing in qualified property.
June
-
HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?
On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.
-
Life Insurance in Retirement
Life insurance might not seem necessary for retirees or those close to retirement, but there are situations where coverage may make sense.
-
Look Out for Observation Care
The use of observation care, during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted, has raised concerns for both patients and providers.
May
-
HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility
This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.
-
Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?
This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.
-
Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real
Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.
April
-
Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt
As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.
-
Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances
Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.
-
Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You
When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.
-
The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?
Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.
March
-
HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects
During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.
-
Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition
The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.
-
Read a Good Beige Book Lately?
The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.
February
-
Three Market-Moving Economic Indicators to Watch
Among all the economic indicators released each month, these three reports may have the strongest effect on the market.
-
Is Tip Fatigue Wearing You Out?
Tipping culture is changing, and consumers are feeling uneasy about where, when, and how much to tip.
January
-
HOT TOPIC: Data for Sale: Tips to Help Protect Your Private Information
Recent action by the Federal Trade Commission highlights the potential for abuse by online data brokers. This article offers some tips that might help consumers keep their private data private.
-
Home Energy Rebates Could Save You Money
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included two provisions allowing rebates for home energy efficiency retrofit projects and home electrification and appliance projects.
-
A Critical Combo: Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Benefits
Although long-term care insurance is typically a “use-it-or-lose-it” proposition, these alternatives can help pay for care if it’s needed or provide a death benefit for beneficiaries if it’s not.
-
Extreme Weather and Your Home Insurance: How to Navigate the Financial Storm
Many insurance companies have begun to raise rates, restrict coverage, or stop selling policies in high-risk areas.
-
A Mortgage Recast Is an Alternative to Refinancing
When a mortgage is recast, the borrower puts money toward the principal balance of a home loan, reducing the monthly payment.
December
-
HOT TOPIC: Dreaming of Retirement? Consider Maxing Out Your 401(k) in 2025
This article covers the contribution and catch-up limits for workplace retirement plans, including the less-common opportunity to make larger after-tax contributions.
-
Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance offers a way to make a substantial gift to charity while also benefiting from favorable tax rules.
-
Eight Ideas for Smarter Holiday Shopping
Whether shopping online or hitting the mall this holiday season, these tips might help save time and money.
-
An Umbrella Policy Offers Extra Liability Coverage
An umbrella personal liability insurance policy can provide additional coverage in the event of a high-dollar liability claim or legal judgment.
November
-
If You Don’t Have a Will Yet, Why Not?
Although 64% of Americans think having a will is important, only 32% have one. This article looks at reasons people don’t have a will and why they need one regardless of the reason.
-
FAFSA for 2025-2026 School Year Opens December 1
Following a disastrous rollout last year, this article provides tips for submitting the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025–2026 school year.
-
Higher Rates Pressure Borrowers and Some Banks: Is Your Money Safe?
In 2023, large bank failures brought renewed attention to the risks banks take to earn money, the role of the FDIC, and the insurance that covers customer deposits.
October
-
Can You Put the Brakes on Rising Auto Insurance Premiums?
Auto insurance premiums increased more than 18% between July 2023 and July 2024. This article outlines some steps that may help reduce premiums.
-
Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?
Life insurance needs change over time. This article presents five guidelines to help determine an appropriate amount of life insurance coverage.
-
Making the Most of Your Credit Card
Credit cards are being used more than ever. This article offers suggestions for choosing and using a credit card.